Carole Ann McLeod

Carole Ann McLeod passed away surrounded by family on August 20, 2026 at the age of 84. Carole was born in Baltimore, MD, to Herbert and Katherine Strohman. In 1962, she met her soon-to-be husband and soulmate, Alan McLeod, whom she soon married and had by her side for 37 years. Together, they owned a funeral home for 25 years, and when they saw a need for a grief support group, they founded the first one of its kind.

Carole went on to become a certified bereavement facilitator for over 40 years, founding Grief Matters, a service for families and caregivers. Through this work, she shared wisdom through articles, radio appearances, and local presentations at clubs and churches. Carole received the PACE award from Pinellas Enrichment Through Mental Health for her work, and she served on the Advisory Council for the local Area Agency on Aging.

In 1971, Carole attended a meeting of GFWC Largo Junior Woman’s Club, and it quickly became home. She made lifelong friendships with women who bonded through laughter and through service. They hosted haunted houses and harvest ball fundraisers, Easter egg hunts and Christmas soirees. Carole served as club President, and received the Woman of the Year award in 1972. The club partnered with a domestic violence shelter where Carole transported women to appointments and jobs, giving her an opportunity to connect with the women in the car.

One of Carole’s best friends was Judy Lutz, who became family in 1987 when their children, Mark and Marli, were married. Judy and Carole did a hilarious comedy routine called Mert and Gert, developed in part to help Carole become more comfortable with public speaking since she was prone to shyness. In 1983, Carole was appointed the chairman for the GFWC International Convention in Kissimmee, Florida, where she was responsible for putting committees together and ensuring that the event ran smoothly. Carole served this role again in the 2004 convention where Vice President George H. Bush was the guest speaker, and she always recalled her fascination with the Secret Service.

To her family and friends, she was known for her patronage of Finley’s Irish Pub, her expertise in Pillsbury’s cinnamon rolls, and the lasting warmth of her hugs. Her family knew her as Mumsie, and while her many accomplishments through GFWC were appreciated widely, her love for her family was felt deeply and intimately.

Carole is predeceased by her parents Herbert and Katherine; her husband Alan; and her great-great-granddaughter Emma. She is survived by her brother, Barry; children Marli (Mark) and Alan (Lora); her grandchildren Alan (Melissa), Tori (Carlos), and Carson; and her great-grandchildren Malorie, Makenize, and Maisie. She also leaves behind many devoted friends who have kept her company and matched her vivacious energy for decades.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the GFWC State President’s Project, Fired Up for Firefighters. If you wish to contribute, please send your donation to:

GFWC Headquarters

4444 Florida National Drive

Lakeland, FL 33813

Please note that the donation is for the State President’s Project in memory of GFWC Member Carole McLeod.

A visitation will be held at 11 am on Friday, August 28, 2026 with a service at 12 pm at Serenity Funeral Home, 13401 Indian Rocks Rd., Largo, FL 33774 followed by an interment at Calvary Catholic Cemetery.